Gee, I never got dumped so nicely. Who knew Severus had it in him? But Tonks is at least a nice person. Hermione needs to dump Ron in a very painful fashion ... PLEASE! Love your story ... and we poor-at-suspense folks thank you for moving the action along!

Awwww, Severus has a heart. And dignity. And he allows Tonks hers. Yay for them both. Thank you! And now can I have some smut? Sorry, sorry. I'll go now.

Yes, you had me there for a minute; I really thought he was going to ask for Hermione. I am unworthy. *Hangs head in shame* And he broke up with Tonks so beautifully, too :) Boy, will it be special when he finds out how Hermione's been faring.

Oh  a few  more things-sorry, lol_ I am really glad that NT never turned into HG for sex with Severus. That would have not seemed right somehow. And it's amazing how you showed that NT was never really "herself" while having sex with SS. What a great way of keeping sex impersonal. And SS is a Slytherin to the end, although he's saying the right things  to Tonks and means them I'm sure, his main goal in ending the relationship is probably his own pursuits.

Yes, I was expecting him to ask for Hermione, but your way is so much better.

So Severus is cut loose, while Hermione is tied tighter.  Can't wait to see how this goes :)

I am glad that SS/NT are no more but I have to commend you on the way you ended it. Very realistic, and all things considered not a "heartbreaking" breakup for either party. I wonder if SS even realized that he's breaking up with NT cause he wants more now (hopefully HG). And it's very clear the way you showed that more than the sex it was friendship for each of them. And safe sex in that their hearts were safe. If only HG gets away from RW this easily-I doubt it. LOL Of course the HG/RW relationship does involve more feelings etc. than the SS/NT one, so of course it will be a more bittter break. Great job.

Heh.  I love that he doesn't let her say what she wants to say at the end and that she lets him get away with it.  That's spot on.  I also love that she isn't clumsy anymore -- I can really see that.

As always, eagerly awaiting the next installment!

I definately thought he was going to be tacky and ask her to be hermione, I am really glad he didn't. Your idea was less predictable and much sweeter, looking forward to the next chapter as always.

I think I actually prefer this version to a PWP with a false Hermione...Aw, Severus showing his sensitive side. I hope, for Hermione's sake, that he's capable of that when he's not breaking up with someone.I get the feeling that the Hermione/Ron split won't be nearly as amicable, but perhaps I'll be surprised.

And the special level of hell could be reserved for authors who leave our girl with dodgy proposals too!Only kidding!  Marvelous writing my friend...as always!  Keep 'em coming!

This is why I think marriage proposals should be done in private!!  There's less possibility for public humiliation that way.  Wow, what a chapter!!  I thank the deities above that I have never had to deal with a situation as unique as hers.   On one hand I want to sigh and say 'Poor Hermione' while the other half of my brain wants to say 'You've no one to blame but yourself, girl.'  I can honestly say that in all my time in the HP fandom, I've never truly felt sorry for Ron until right now.I think one of my favorite aspects of this rung is just how deliciously devious her devil's advocate is.  It's almost as if that voice is channeling Loki himself.  Severus' parallel rung cannot come soon enough.  I'm dying to know how he's been fairing as well. 

As always, this was excellent!! 

Oh Shite!  How is she going to find her way out of this one?  Looking forward to the next chapter.  Keep up the good work!

You know I can understand HG's reaction. She was caught by surprise, and she was in front of family and friends. She's also nice-she'd never want to hurt Ron especially in front of others. In defense of Ron, I really think he thought he was doing a good thing. I'm sure he thinks HG is perfectly happy and wants to marry him. I don't think in his mind, he was putting her on the spot, but rather making her happy and he wanted them to celebrate with freinds. Of course I'd hate to see her marry Ron, but this was a very interesting chapter. Great writing as always.

No. She wouldn't. Even if she wasn't as unsatisfied as she has been, she would scorn him for putting her in such a situation in front of everybody. You can only attempt to rectify this SOON. Or face the consequences ;-)

Evil, evil Ron!  It is, of course, comforting to know that Hermione will get her Snape in the end, but still.  Lovely story.  Bring on chapter 9!

My instinct alone would have had me slapping him and then apparating away as fast as he could.  Ron is far more manipulative than Hermione obviously took him for. Poor girl, talk about being put on the spot.

Great chapter, evil cliffie. 

What a low, foul thing for him to do! Shame on you, Ron Weasley!

Nice move for you, though, author - you made it impossible for her to say no!

God that was evil.  Now what the hell is she going to do?  More soon please.

Your joking!

NO WAY

that was a horrible thing to throw on me! and even worse since she knows that they have nothing in common and that it wont last!

my goodness... Im in shock..

-karlamarie 

WHAT??? The next chapter better be in the queue as we speak...you evil cliffmaster you! But seriously, this was a very engaging chapter. I can hardly wait for the next one. And Ron is such a jerk for proposing like that in front of all their friends and family. It shoes how overly confident and arrogant he is when in regards to Hermione and her thoughts and feeling. He is truly delusional.Good job! :)

What can I say?  I love it!

:cough: OKAY THEN, MISSY.

Y'all can torture us if you want - it's YOUR FIC - but I hope to God that a) Snape is furious and it sparks something in him; b) UST is coming SOON!

Oh, and thanks for another fine chapter. :bounces impatiently: 

what, what?! that didn't just happen. anyways, i heart Wash. i don't heart having to wait for the next chapter.

Poor Hermione - in a crowded situation like that, with everyone looking on, saying 'yes' was the only sane thing to do! Looking forward to more...

OUCH!  Way to leave her no exit, Ronnie.  Perhaps you'd already figured out, at least subconsciously, that she was gravitating toward the door.  Yikes.